Why this trade makes sense for the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has not been to the playoffs since 2016 and while acquiring Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball definitely helps their chances of making it back to the postseason in the Eastern Conference, they still seem like they are one piece away from being true threats in the East.
Their playoff drought will likely end this year, but this team does not seem like they have enough overall talent to make it past the first-round. They do not have much depth nor production in their frontcourt, which is exactly why a guy like Al Horford could be the difference maker for this team this season.
Cody Zeller is currently in his 8th season in the league and while he is a reliable center, averaging about 8.6 points and 6.0 rebounds over the course of his career, he is in the final season of his contract and it seems like the Hornets will not re-sign him in the offseason. As a result, the Hornets have a need in their frontcourt for an experienced big man, which is why Al Horford would fit in perfectly.
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He could not only be a veteran leader for this team, but his style of play in the low-post/mid-range is exactly what the Hornets need. They do most of their damage in transition and from the three-point line, but in the half-court, they are not as fast-paced. They tend to take their time in the half-court offensively and as a result, they could play through Horford in the low-post or at the free-throw line.
He knows what it takes to win in this league and has been a part of some pretty successful teams over the years. Now in his 14th season in the NBA, Al Horford has been to the playoffs every single year he has been in the league and his playoff experiences could be extremely important to a young team like the Hornets.
Not to mention, P.J. Washington could use a guy like Horford by his side to help him develop into a better all-around talent in this league for years to come. Both Washington and Horford are capable of knocking down jump-shots and are both avid rebounders, making the two of them a solid duo in the frontcourt.
For virtually nothing, they can get an impactful, veteran player to aid them in their playoff push, which is why the Charlotte Hornets should pull the trigger and trade for Horford. If it will not cost them a key player and/or a first-round pick, going after Al Horford is definitely worth it for Charlotte.
